Feeling

I just learned that a friend of mine was laid off from Eptura after many years with the company. They held a fairly senior position, and it's disheartening to see such experienced individuals being impacted. The exit terms they received are quite disappointing—only 5 weeks of salary and no extended healthcare or COBRA payments. It's frustrating to see how companies handle layoffs, especially for long-tenured employees.

I had a rough day at work yesterday that made me seriously reconsider my job. I'm a 22-year-old female and have been working in my first big girl job for about six months now. I've been having ongoing car troubles for the past three months, specifically with my radiator overheating, which makes it difficult to complete my tasks that require driving. I live in the city, so most of my tasks are close, but my car breaks down after about ten minutes of driving, especially in the heat. My boss has been pressuring me about leaving the office for lunch instead of staying at my desk, despite me explaining my situation. She even witnessed my car breaking down once, so she knows what I'm dealing with. I try to do my job without complaints, but it’s getting risky to drive off-site. Yesterday, I went out to complete my tasks and then headed to lunch. On my way back, my car battery died at a red light, and I felt panicked. Luckily, I had given the security guard my battery pack earlier, so I called him for help. He came to assist me with one of my team members who was about to go to lunch. I had to leave my car at a gas station and my teammate brought me back to the office. When I got back, I had some mail for my boss, and when I explained what happened, she started laughing. I couldn't believe it and asked her what was so funny, saying that it was not a joke. She continued to smile and said she would process the mail herself if I didn’t want to. I left her office feeling frustrated. Later, she sent me an email saying my tone was negative and made her uncomfortable. I felt that her reaction was unprofessional, especially since she laughed at my vulnerable moment. Now, I’m at a crossroads. I want to quit this job because it feels toxic, and my boss seems unstable, often taking out her frustrations on me. I’ve always found myself in this position at work, and I’m tired of being the target. I’m considering sending a scheduled email to address her behavior, but I’m not sure if that’s the best move. I just want to be done with this job.

Today, I learned that Uber has decided to eliminate remote work for 99% of its corporate staff while also laying off 3,300 employees. This news has left me feeling unsettled, as I have been working remotely and now face uncertainty about my role and the future of my position. It seems like a drastic move, especially given the current job market. I can't help but think about how this will impact my colleagues and the company culture moving forward.

I recently found out that my company, where I've worked for 3.5 years, is being acquired. They've been trying to present this as a positive change, but I can't help but feel skeptical. I've been through two acquisitions before, and both times the outcomes were pretty disastrous for most of the original employees. Because of this, I've taken the initiative to update my resume and start applying for new jobs while also reaching out to my network. Some of my coworkers, who I consider friends, seem to be optimistic about the acquisition, believing it will bring benefits. I'm starting to wonder if my past experiences are more common than I thought, or if there are actually people out there who have had a positive experience with company acquisitions.

I recently completed a 77-day journey from my first job application to starting my new job. This all began after I learned that the promotion I was promised at my previous company, where I worked in analytical and laboratory science, was not actually budgeted for. When I expressed my frustration, management suggested I could "find happiness elsewhere." Taking their advice to heart, I decided to look for a new opportunity that would allow me to grow and be valued. I cast a wide net during my job search, even considering positions outside my field. My rule was to apply if I met at least 25% of the job requirements and could argue that my experience was transferable. This approach limited the number of applications I sent each week, as I tailored my resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each role. Initially, I created a master resume with extensive bullet points detailing my responsibilities and accomplishments. I also categorized my skills into buckets like Regulatory, Software, Technical, and Project Management. I then utilized ChatGPT to help refine my resume, ensuring it was concise and tailored to each job description. I submitted 17 applications over four weeks and eventually received a response for an environmental position. Preparing for interviews took about 10 hours. I crafted 15 stories from my career to use in STAR format responses and practiced with ChatGPT, simulating a hiring manager to ask me various questions. I found that while AI could provide useful feedback, I needed to maintain my personality in my answers. The interview process was straightforward. I went through three rounds: an HR screening call, an interview with the hiring manager, and a panel interview with four staff members. The timeline was efficient, with only a few days between each step. Ultimately, I received an offer that met my salary expectations, and they allowed me four weeks to start. The offer was contingent on a background check and drug test, which caused me some anxiety. I had a unique name and a clean background, but I was concerned about how my previous job title would be verified. I used my working title on my resume, which accurately described my role, but the background check flagged it because they could only confirm the official HR title. After a tense wait, the background check was completed within 12 hours, and I heard nothing for five days. I took that as a good sign. Once I passed the drug test, I put in my notice at my current job three weeks before starting the new position, giving me a much-needed week off between jobs. Overall, the experience taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability in the job market.

I just got laid off from my position at a marketing firm. I was on a work trip when I received an invite for a "One-on-One" Google Meet scheduled for the end of the day. I started to panic but managed to calm myself down before the meeting. When the meeting finally happened yesterday, it was my worst fear confirmed: I was laid off with a two-week notice. This came just five months after I started, and it was due to several clients cancelling our services, which resulted in a 25% revenue loss in just one month. This was my first full-time job in the industry after spending over two years post-graduation trying to break in. I really thought this was my big break and that I would be here for years, or at least until I was ready for bigger opportunities. Now, I have to start all over again. It feels surreal.

I can't believe I finally landed my dream job after years of struggling in this tough job market. It feels surreal! During the final interview, I completely blacked out and somehow nailed it—I don't even remember what I said. It was like I was possessed by some job-seeking spirit! I honestly think the turning point was a fortune cookie I opened that said an opportunity was just around the corner, and I chose to believe it. I'm so grateful for this chance!

I recently interviewed for a corporate banking position at U.S. Bank, and I've gone through three meetings so far. My journey started when a relative, who retired after 50 years with the company, helped me get my foot in the door. She connected me with her former boss, who assisted me in polishing my resume and finding an opening to apply for. My first interaction was a coffee meeting with the hiring manager, which I felt went well. This led to a 30-minute Zoom interview with a recruiter, who indicated she would recommend me for the position. Just this week, I had an in-person interview with the same hiring manager, where we discussed the role for about 25 minutes. She mentioned that she was busy catching up after her vacation but hoped to make a decision by the end of this week. However, I received an email last night from the recruiter asking to schedule a second round Zoom interview. This was unexpected since the hiring manager didn't mention anything about needing another interview. I’m feeling anxious and unsure if this is a good sign or if I was overlooked for the role. I really need this job, and I'm trying to figure out if I should take a time slot for the interview or reach out to the hiring manager for clarification. Any advice would be appreciated!

I applied for an office job recently, even though I had no prior experience. During the interview, the interviewer looked at my resume, saw the lack of experience, and proceeded to interview me anyway. After just five minutes, he rejected me because I didn’t meet the qualifications. It felt like a complete waste of time for both of us. I tried to express my eagerness to learn quickly if hired, but it didn’t make a difference. I don’t understand why they even bothered to interview me if they were just going to reject me so quickly. On a brighter note, I did manage to get one interview after applying daily for four months since graduation.

I recently had a really terrible experience at a company where I was brought on as an intern right after graduating. I was referred to this position by a vice president, Mr. ###, who was excited about the company’s plans to start a cybersecurity practice. However, my experience turned out to be quite different from what I expected. I went through an interview process with Mr. ###, but there was no skill assessment involved. Instead of receiving a formal offer letter, I was just asked to sign a joining letter that I had printed myself. I thought I would be working in cybersecurity, but the tasks I was assigned were purely non-technical. For the first three weeks, I felt more like an office boy or personal assistant than an intern. I was given menial tasks like partner registrations, creating a potential client list, and generating reports that seemed to go unnoticed. I even had to run around the office to get Mr. ### printed documents that were already on his laptop. Despite my efforts, I was constantly undermined and unappreciated. If I made a mistake or couldn't complete a task, I was called useless and belittled. Whenever I tried to ask questions or seek integration into the cybersecurity practice, I was told that it wasn't my job and reminded of my status as an intern. This treatment took a toll on my mental health, and I found myself crying every day. Eventually, I reached my breaking point and submitted my resignation to the chairman, but he called me back and asked me to continue working. Now, two days later, I'm still stuck doing the same work and feeling lost about what to do next.

I’ve been struggling with severe interview anxiety lately. It feels like no matter how much I prepare, the thought of sitting in front of an interviewer terrifies me. I’ve been applying to jobs but the idea of an interview makes me want to avoid the whole process altogether. I came across some advice suggesting that I write down answers to common interview questions to help me feel more prepared, like addressing my greatest weakness or other typical queries. Additionally, I’ve been trying to visualize myself as a more confident person during interviews, channeling someone I know who exudes confidence. I hope this approach helps me overcome my fears and land a job soon.

I was recently laid off from my position in IT where I managed marketing automation tools, specifically Salesforce Marketing Cloud, earning a salary of ₹50 LPA in India. After two months of job searching, I've noticed that the offers I'm receiving are significantly lower, around ₹30-35 LPA. To stay financially stable, I'm considering taking an interim role while I devise a two-year plan to move abroad for better opportunities. I've been researching the job market in countries like Japan, where I've heard that proficiency in the local language can be crucial for securing roles, even in functional IT and MarTech positions. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial for me to learn a new language to enhance my chances of landing a senior role that pays well above my previous salary, or if I should focus on improving my English skills and targeting English-speaking markets instead.

I recently received some valuable advice from the animal control officer in my county, who encouraged me to apply for a new position that just opened up. I've been working at my hometown humane society for about a month now, and prior to that, I spent 2.5 years at another humane society where I gained experience working alongside animal control. I’m currently updating my resume and debating whether to include my previous jobs in food service and retail, which I feel are not relevant to this new role. Although I lack the full three years of experience in shelter or veterinary medicine, I believe my background makes me a strong candidate. I'm excited about this opportunity and hope to make a compelling case in my application.

Today, I received some unexpected news from my director: my position is being eliminated, and I’m being transferred to a department I know nothing about—IT. I started this job back in 2005 as a temp in the mailroom, eventually becoming a full-time facility technician. Over the years, I've navigated through two acquisitions and six office moves, and I’ve been working from home since our office closed in 2025. With new management in place, I feel increasingly disconnected from the company. I was actually hoping for a severance package, which would have given me three months' pay, but instead, I'm facing a role that doesn’t align with my skills. My only connection to IT is my experience with physical security, which is now being integrated into their department. I have no technical background, and I worry about my ability to handle the responsibilities that come with this transfer. Financially, I’m in a decent position, having saved over $1 million through investments, which provides me with about $3,000 a month in dividends. However, living in a high-income tax state means I’m paying a significant amount in taxes despite being a low wage earner. At 48 years old, single, and without kids, I’m considering my options. I’ve started looking for other jobs, but my lack of motivation after doing so little over the past year is holding me back. I’ve heard about people moving overseas to reduce living costs, and while I’m intrigued, I’m unsure how realistic that is for me. I also have a pension kicking in at 50, which adds another layer to my decision-making. What would you do in my situation?

As a recent graduate in Aerospace Engineering, I've been actively searching for a job for the past year. Despite my efforts, I feel like I'm hitting a wall and losing hope. I'm starting to wonder what I might be doing wrong in my job search. I would appreciate any advice or insights from those who have been in a similar situation.

I recently graduated high school and had an internship at a CPA firm that ended in June. Since then, I've been searching for part-time blue-collar jobs to support myself while attending college, but I haven't had much luck. My internship is still on my resume, and I'm starting to wonder if the termination might be affecting my job search. I'm curious if anyone has experienced a similar situation or has insights on whether a terminated internship can impact future job opportunities.

I was recently terminated from my role at Microsoft during what was supposed to be a "rewards discussion." After four years with the company, I was taken aback when my manager informed me that I did not meet expectations during our previous connect. He mentioned that the next step would be a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or a General Viability Status Assessment (GVSA). However, about six weeks later, I received a calendar invite for a meeting labeled "rewards discussions." To my shock, I was let go during that call without any prior warning or the opportunity for a PIP or GVSA. When I inquired about why I wasn't given the chance to improve, my manager stated that it was a decision made by HR to terminate me immediately. This has left me confused and frustrated, especially since I had been a top performer for the last three years and had received positive feedback and bonuses from my previous manager. I'm seeking insight into whether this is a common practice at Microsoft and if anyone else has experienced similar abrupt terminations.

I recently shared my interview experience with Master Kong (康师傅) on social media, detailing some concerning interactions during the process. After posting about it on various platforms, including Threads and Reddit, I received a call from the recruiter stating that the company had seen my posts and demanded I remove them within 24 hours or face potential legal action for defamation. I firmly told the recruiter that I would not be taking down my posts and welcomed any legal pursuit. During the interview, I was asked about my salary history, which I informed them is prohibited by California law. The interviewer responded dismissively, claiming, "I’m probably more American than you." This experience prompted me to share my story online, and instead of addressing my concerns, the company is now threatening legal action. Interestingly, another applicant from Southern California reached out to me, sharing that the same hiring manager did not ask her about salary history, but an HR representative from Hong Kong did, continuing to press for information despite being told it was illegal. I believe that if a company wants to operate in the U.S., they must comply with local employment laws and treat candidates with respect. It seems that Master Kong is struggling to adapt to these standards, and I stand by my decision to speak out.

Today was a tough day for my mom, who has been a nurse for over 25 years. She works at an infusion clinic that is currently undergoing a merger, and today was the first day employees had to sign new contracts. While some nurses took minor pay cuts, my mom discovered that new graduates in her department were earning more than her, despite her extensive experience and additional certifications. She currently makes around $102,000 for 36 hours a week, which is significantly less than what new grads are getting. Feeling undervalued, she decided to bring up the possibility of a raise when she signed her contract. She even offered to increase her hours to 40 a week, which is standard for most nurses, as long as her hourly rate remained the same. However, when she discussed this with the director of her department, things took a turn for the worse. Management reacted aggressively, surrounding her with multiple HR representatives and insisting that there must have been a mistake in her contract. They claimed she should only be making $101,885 even if she worked more hours, which felt incredibly unfair to her. Despite her attempts to explain her situation and the calculations she had prepared, she felt intimidated and belittled. The director even swatted her hand away when she tried to apologize and walked out, leaving her feeling overwhelmed. In the end, she signed the contract out of fear and pressure. It’s disheartening to see how management treated her, especially when she was just trying to advocate for herself. Her colleagues were outraged when they heard about the incident, and I can't help but feel angry about how she was treated.

I recently accepted a job offer within my current company, moving to a different team in the same department. I rushed into the decision without fully considering the financial implications, and now I realize I'm going to be making a few hundred dollars less each month. I was feeling overwhelmed by my previous job's schedule and stress, which led me to make a hasty choice without crunching the numbers properly. Now, I'm in a bit of a panic. I tried to negotiate my salary but didn't get anywhere with that. I'm contemplating whether I should talk to my current manager about my concerns, but I'm worried that trying to back out might put me in an even worse position. I know I acted impulsively, and I'm trying to figure out if I should just accept this new role for the long haul or start looking for other opportunities aggressively. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?